Paperwork When Selling a Car in Indiana

Paperwork Required to Sell a Car in Indiana

Where do you begin when selling a car in Indiana? The process as a whole might seem daunting, but looking at it step-by-step makes it a lot less intimidating. We've created a categorized breakdown of what to expect to make it even easier.

Selling a Vehicle in Indiana

As it is in most U.S. states, Indiana requires all motor vehicles to be titled. Your car title is one of the most important documents you'll use to sell your car in Indiana, since you will use the title assignment to transfer ownership to the buyer. The title assignment is located on the back of the title, and includes blank spaces to be filled with the following information:

Odometer reading.

Purchase date.

Selling price.

Signatures from both the buyer and seller.

According to Indiana law, failure to disclose this information is a Class A misdemeanor and a Class D felony for subsequent offenses. As a seller, you are also responsible for removing the vehicle's license plate at the time of the sale. However, it is the buyer's responsibility to acquire a new title and registration.

Since there are high stakes involved when selling a car, both financially and legally, our
Guide to Selling Your Car provides an easy-to-read overview with access to invaluable resources so you can enjoy a smoother process.

Required Documents

In most cases, you will only need the following documents to sell your car in Indiana:

Duplicate Title in Indiana

You car's title certificate is a critical document when selling a car in Indiana. However, if your title has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or is otherwise inaccessible, you can always apply for a duplicate title.

You have several options to choose from when ordering a replacement title:

Vehicle History Report

When selling a car, it's important to be honest and upfront about your vehicle's condition. That's why obtaining a vehicle history report can help you sell your vehicle. Want to know more about them? Please visit our
Vehicle History Reports page.

All you need is the vehicle identification number (VIN) and you'll have access to details, such as:

Title information.

Odometer reading.

Structural damage.

Services and repairs.

Accident indicators.

Indiana Salvage Title

If you're selling a salvaged car in the state of Indiana, you must have a salvage title certificate if the car was manufactured within the last
7 years. Vehicles older than 7 years may also be issued a salvage title upon request.

Transferring License Plates after a Sale

Make sure to remove the vehicle's license plates after you sell your vehicle. If you wish to keep the plate yourself for another vehicle, make sure to have it properly registered at an
Indiana license branch.